What is the electron charge of He-3 and He-4?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the electron charge of the isotopes He-3 and He-4, exploring whether they have different charges or if their charge is the same as that of helium in general. The scope includes conceptual clarification and basic atomic structure.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant asks about the electron charge of He-3 and He-4, expressing uncertainty about basic physics concepts.
  • Another participant states that all isotopes of helium have the same number of protons and electrons, implying they have the same electron charge.
  • A participant questions whether the isotopes have different charges and suggests a specific charge value of -2.1x10^-21, seeking clarification on its validity.
  • A later reply asserts that these isotopes are neutral atoms with no net charge, reinforcing the idea that the number of protons equals the number of electrons.
  • Another participant reiterates that all helium isotopes have the same electron charge and questions the origin of the -2.1x10^-21 value, emphasizing that the net charge of the helium atom is zero.
  • One participant expresses frustration and indicates a desire to give up due to their lack of understanding.
  • A final comment questions whether the -2.1x10^-21 value is in Coulombs, noting that it is significantly less than the fundamental charge of an electron, which is 1.6x10^-19 C.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that He-3 and He-4 are isotopes of helium with the same number of protons and electrons, leading to the conclusion that they have no net charge. However, there is disagreement regarding the specific charge value mentioned, with some participants questioning its validity.

Contextual Notes

There is uncertainty regarding the interpretation of "electron charge" and the validity of the proposed charge value of -2.1x10^-21. The discussion does not resolve these ambiguities.

2203312
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Hi,
Sorry this is a Newbie question.
What is the electron charge of He-3 and He-4?

I am new to physics so Sorry.

Many thanks
 
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He-3 and He-4 are isotopes of Helium. All isotopes of Helium have the same number of protons and thus electrons.
 
Ok, they are Isotopes of helium.
But do they have different charges or is the charge the same as helium?
and

What is the charge is it -2.1x10^-21
 
2203312 said:
Ok, they are Isotopes of helium.
But do they have different charges or is the charge the same as helium?
and

What is the charge is it -2.1x10^-21

These isotopes are neutral atoms! They have no net charge!

Zz.
 
2203312 said:
Ok, they are Isotopes of helium.
But do they have different charges or is the charge the same as helium?
As I said, all helium isotopes have the same number of protons & electrons, thus the same electron charge. (The most abundant helium isotope is He-4; that's what is usually meant when you just say 'helium'.)
What is the charge is it -2.1x10^-21
Where does this number come from?

Edit: I assume by 'electron charge' that you mean the total charge of the electrons in the helium atom. But realize, as ZapperZ points out, that the net charge of the helium atom is zero--the number of protons equals the number of electrons.
 
Last edited:
Ok,
Thanks anyway.

Since I don't know what I am talking about I give up.
 
Is the number -2.1\times10^{-21} supposed to be in Coulombs? Because that's about 1/100th the charge on an electron. Since the electronic charge, 1.6\times10^{-19}C is the fundamental charge, you can't have a number less than that.

(Yes I know, quarks come in 1/3 and 2/3 charges, but they're always found in pairs or triplets because of QCD restrictions.)
 

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